AHI Travel, a company selected by the AMA for its members, offers SPG members all-inclusive educational programs conducive to learning, recreation and fellowship. Through a series of lectures, excursions and Meet the People exchanges, participants can become involved in the way of life of a local community and its surrounding area.
Use the following quick links to locate a trip by month.
2008
July | Aug | October | November
2009
January | February | March | April | June | July | Aug | September | October | November
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2008 AHI travel schedule
Tuscany ~ Cortona - July 16-24
From the innovations of the Etruscans to the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a region steeped in history and human achievement. Let the charming village of Cortona be your base as you travel through the surrounding Tuscan hill country, admiring the beauty of the land. In Siena , navigate narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, visit the city's magnificent Duomo, and stroll the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy . Then, journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti Country. In Umbria , explore two walled cities—medieval Assisi , home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia , an ancient Etruscan city-state. Finally, experience the brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence , the Cradle of the Renaissance.
Cruise the Passage of Peter the Great - July 29-Aug. 10 (AMA's 50-year anniversary trip**)
Journey through the heart of Russia , beginning in St. Petersburg . Trace the steps of Peter the Great as you encounter his famous replica, The Bronze Horseman, and marvel at one of the world's most impressive art collections in the prestigious Hermitage Museum . Embark on a cruise to the amazing architecture of Kizhi Island , Goritsy and beautiful Yaroslavl . Admire the scenic countryside as you sail the Volga River from Uglich to Moscow . Then, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, and immerse yourself in Russian history at the Kremlin's Armory Museum . Visit Red Square and see iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. In Star City , home to Russia 's space program, enjoy a talk with a cosmonaut and an exclusive tour at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
Swiss Alps - Aug. 20-28
From the ambiance of small villages steeped in tradition to the cosmopolitan flair of fashionable resorts, Switzerland has it all! Explore the beauty, history and culture of the majestic Bernese Oberland on this spectacular program that showcases the charming village of Kandersteg; the quaint town of Interlaken, where a cruise on Lake Thunersee takes you to historic Thun; and the capital city of Berne. Admire the splendor of the Alpine scenery during your journey to Zermatt for a glimpse of the famous Matterhorn peak. Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Glacier Express, one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Europe, and visit the lovely town of Lucerne . Don't miss this opportunity to discover first-hand the myriad of treasures this magical land has to offer.
Italian Riviera - Aug. 23-31
Relish the splendor of the Italian Riviera. Embrace a colorful painter's paradise among the winding streets of the charming seaside village of Sestri Levante . Lose yourself in the stunning coastal scenery leading en route to Santa Margherita, where the Gothic church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia awaits. Cruise placid waters to the enchanting harbor of cosmopolitan Portofino and its awe-inspiring Punta del Capo lighthouse. In Genoa , you'll have the opportunity to discover Christopher Columbus' House. Visit the lovely Cinque Terre towns of Portovenere and Vernazza. Time has also been carved out for a review of marble sculpting art in Carrara . Finally, explore the walled city of Lucca , with its sensational Duomo, the Church of San Frediano and the Church of San Michele.
Spain ~ Barcelona & San Sebastián - Oct. 1-12
Discover the fashionable and modern city of Barcelona , heart of Spain 's culturally distinct Catalonia region, rich in artistic heritage. Walk Las Ramblas before touring the prominent Modernist architectural sites of Antoni Gaudí, including the ornate La Sagrada Familia basilica. In Spain 's enchanting Penedès wine country, see the town of Montserrat , and enjoy Cava, the Catalan sparkling wine, on a visit to a local vineyard. Then, travel to the Basque Country, with its unique language and culture, as you drive along the scenic route from Montserrat to seaside San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay . Tour the city of Bilbao , and explore its renowned Guggenheim Museum , designed by postmodern architect Frank Gehry. Experience the sites of Pamplona, famous for the running of the bulls.
China and the Yangtze River Discovery - Oct. 15-27
In Beijing , visit the ornate Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven , the royal Summer Palace , the narrows streets of the Hutongs and massive Tiananmen Square . Admire beautiful countryside from the Great Wall. Discover Xi'an , home to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. Board the M.V. Yangtze President in Chongqing , and cruise the Yangtze River to Fengdu. Sail through the magnificent Three Gorges region before disembarking in Yichang to explore Sanyou Cave . Finally, arrive in Shanghai , and experience the Bund, the prestigious Shanghai Museum and the serene Yu Garden. An optional excursion to the lovely town of Suzhou is also available. Take advantage of the exceptional value of this unique travel opportunity!
Holiday Markets of Salzburg and Vienna Discovery - Nov. 28-Dec. 6
Discover the magic of the holiday season with visits to Austria 's renowned holiday markets. This special program combines an itinerary of planned excursions and free time at two of Austria 's most spectacular cities with an exceptional value, making this a journey you won't want to miss. Begin in the picture postcard town of Salzburg , the setting for the beloved film The Sound of Music. Travel to the town of Steyr , known for its exquisite nativity scenes, before arriving in the opulent capital of Vienna , where dazzling sights abound at every turn. Optional excursions include a walking tour of Salzburg 's highlights, a tour of Mozart's home, an Alpine sleigh ride, a panoramic tour of Vienna and a visit to Scönbrunn Palace and its Christkindlmarkt.
**The AMA designates a trip to honor physicians graduation from medical school in 1958. All physicians and guests are welcome.
2009 AHI travel schedule
Cruise the Panama Canal - Jan. 25-Feb. 5
Relax aboard the Six-Star Crystal Symphony as you chart a course to fascinating ports of call. Set sail on the Atlantic Ocean from Miami, Florida. Stroll across the stunning white beaches of Tortola, British Virgin Islands and explore the tropical paradise St. Barthélemy, Guadaloupe. Admire the beauty of St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles, before arriving in cultural Aruba, Kingdom of the Netherlands. Marvel at one of the world's most impressive feats of engineering as the ship travels through the six locks of the Panama Canal. Finally, cruise the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean to Caldera, Costa Rica.
Peru, Featuring Machu Picchu - Feb. 26-March 5
Nestled in the misty Andes Mountains, Peru is a rugged, storied land where vast Incan civilizations once flourished and Spanish conquistadors ruled. Enjoy cosmopolitan and colonial Lima, with its historic Plaza Mayor, President's Palace, landmark Cathedral, City Hall, and prestigious Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. From Cuzco, the former capital and holy city of the Incan empire, visit the Qorikancha and Sacsayhuamán temples, Qenko amphitheater, and Puka Pukara fortress. Journey to Ollantaytambo fortress, where giant monoliths crown a grand staircase, and the traditional Andean Indian village of Chinchero, with its colorful local market. Finally, marvel at the natural beauty of Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, as you travel to mesmerizing Machu Picchu.
Legends of the Nile - March 10-21
Journey to exotic Egypt, a land whose history stretches many millennia into the past. In Cairo, view royal mummies in the prestigious Egyptian Museum, shop the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar and discover the religious heritage of Coptic Cairo. Journey to Sakkara, site of an ancient burial ground, and marvel at the Step Pyramid of Zozer. Admire the iconic Pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx of Giza. Embark on a cruise of the Nile River to the Luxor and Karnak temple complexes and the seemingly endless Valley of the Kings and Queens. Continue to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, impressive Kom Ombo and the Philae Island temple complex in Aswan. Sail on a felucca boat around Kitchener's Island, and visit the massive monuments of Abu Simbel.
Treasures of Southern Africa - April 3-16
Experience the diversity of South Africa. Tour cosmopolitan Cape Town, ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views and cruise to historic Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela's incarceration. Admire the natural beauty of Cape Point, and observe the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Then, transfer to Livingstone, Zambia, and marvel at the spectacular Victoria Falls. In Johannesburg, explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Finally, enjoy a game viewing safari at Shishangeni in Kruger National Park, replete with zebras, giraffes, kudu and more. Optional excursions include a visit to the wine country towns of Dutch-colonial Stellenbosch and French-settled Franschhoek followed by a wine tasting; a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; and Chobe National Park in Botswana, with its renowned African elephants.
Cruise the Magnificent Waterways and Canals of Holland & Belgium - April 17-25
There is no better way to experience the beauty, history and culture of Holland and Belgium than by cruising their legendary waterways. Enjoy Amsterdam, a beguiling city of canals and contrasts, then step into the historic town of Deventer. Visit The Hague and feel the reverberations of political history. Glimpse the scenes Vermeer immortalized in the picture-perfect vistas of Delft. Explore the renowned Zeeland coast, and learn about the Delta Works' complex Storm Surge Barriers on Neeltje Jans Island. In Belgium, admire the amazing architecture and art of Bruges and the unrivaled charm of the important port city of Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world. Join us on this cruise through one of Europe's most colorful and fascinating regions-and enrich your life with an educational adventure you will never forget!
Greece ~ Athens & the Island of Poros - April 24-May 3
Steeped in mythology and legend, Greece has been a muse to artists and writers for centuries. The magic of this ancient land is yours to discover. Explore the priceless treasures of Athens from the world-renowned Acropolis to the fashionable Plaka district. On the idyllic island of Poros, walk along charming, sea-scented streets and admire a breathtaking panorama of sun-drenched hills and sapphire waters. Examine the ruins of the palace at Mycenae and visit a local winery. See dramatic Nauplion, the former capital of Greece; marvel at the theater in Epidauros; and enjoy the cosmopolitan island of Hydra. Witness the glory of Greece-both past and present-on this exciting travel adventure.
Japan ~ Kyoto - June 8-16
This exploration of the cultural heart of Japan takes you to the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto and Ryoan-ji temple, Kiyomizu-dera temple, the Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle. Visit Nara, Japan's first capital, and Todai-ji temple with its famous bronze statue of Buddha. Spend a night at a traditional temple lodge in an important Buddhist enclave established 1,200 years ago-truly a unique experience! Create many lasting and unique memories on this journey of a lifetime that encompasses the distinctive sights and culture of this fascinating land. PLUS, don't miss this opportunity to discover the bustling capital city of Tokyo on a two-night Post-Trip Optional Extension!
Cruise the Face of Europe - June 30-July 15
Discover the treasures of Europe while cruising its most storied waterways-the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers and the man-made Main-Danube canal. Begin your journey in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with its graceful buildings and winding canals. Continue to Germany and marvel at the magnificent cathedral in Cologne, and stroll along quaint cobblestone streets in Rüdesheim. Admire the landmarks of Würzburg, then traverse the storied Romantic Road. See the fountain and medieval churches of Nuremberg, Roman remains in ancient Regensburg and the highlights of Passau. In Austria, discover the Baroque abbey at Melk and the stunning architecture of Vienna. Visit the Slovak Republic's capital Bratislava and view its impressive medieval buildings before concluding in Budapest, Hungary, where the Opera House, Castle District and other sites await.
Norway ~ Fjordlands - July 7-15
Immerse yourself in the majestic, rugged beauty of Norway. Stand along the fjords and contemplate the colossal glaciers that carved these dramatic gorges and the sparkling, deep blue inlet waters they left behind. Begin your exploration in Bergen, Norway's ancient capital and second-largest city. Discover the architecture of Norway's wooden stave churches; visit a superb example on the outskirts of town. Admire breathtaking fjords and the charming villages and cities nestled among them. Take a cruise on the Hardangerfjord, known as the Garden Fjord because of the apple, cherry, pear and plum orchards that thrive there in the summer. See Norway's largest waterfall, Vøringfossen. Along the way, meet the people of Norway, who invite you to experience the best of their country.
Italy's Magnificent Lake District - July 14-22 (AMA's 2009 50-Year Anniversary Trip***)
Situated directly on Lake Maggiore, Baveno embodies all the alpine allure of Italy's charming Lake District in Piedmont and Lombardy. Explore the romantic lakeside towns of Intra and Pallanza before cruising Lake Maggiore to the colorful Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Discover cultural Milan as you visit La Scala, Italy's premier opera house; the 14th-century Duomo; and Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper fresco. Visit Tremezzo and the beautiful gardens of the Villa Carlotta. From Bellagio, on the shores of stunning Lake Como, enjoy a private boat ride to the town of Como, and stroll its ancient Roman lanes. Finally, sail to the island of San Giulio on Lake Orta, with its fourth-century basilica.
Cruise the Baltic Sea - August 4-12
Visit scenic northern cities steeped in maritime lore as you cruise the Baltic Sea. Your adventure begins in Copenhagen, Denmark, a medieval fishing village that evolved into one of Europe's most sophisticated capital cities. Cruise to Rønne and discover unique architecture and sweeping vistas, then explore St. Petersburg, known as the Venice of the North. Lined with baroque and neoclassical palaces and cathedrals, the gem of this former Russian capital is the State Hermitage Museum, whose art collection is one of the richest in the world. Next, arrive in the old town of Tallinn, Estonia. Marvel at the authentic Hanseatic ambience still palpable in merchants' houses that have survived despite centuries of fire and war. Your odyssey concludes amid the 18th-century opulence of Stockholm, Sweden.
Alaska Discovery - Sept. 9-16
Alaska is a land of superlatives. Its mountains rival the Alps, its fjords surpass Norway's in their grandeur, its glaciers are outnumbered only by Greenland's and Antarctica's, and its marine life is boundless! After arrival in Canada's cosmopolitan city of Vancouver, explore southeast Alaska in a way the early pioneers could not even imagine-from the elegant environs of the Seven Seas Mariner. Cruise to Ketchikan, home of the world's largest collection of totem poles. Explore the length of Tracy Arm and see Sawyer Glacier. Visit Juneau, Alaska's picturesque capital city; the Yukon Gold Rush town of Skagway; and Sitka, where onion-domed churches recall its quaint Russian heritage. Marvel at the electric-blue expanse of Hubbard Glacier before concluding in Seward. The legendary coastal beauty of Alaska awaits your discovery on a fantastic journey along America's Last Frontier.
China and the Yangtze River Discovery - Sept. 16-28
No longer the "sleeping giant" described by Napoleon, China continues to hold its rightful place as one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Discover its finest cities, exotic countryside and storied history on this unique travel opportunity that showcases the many treasures of a fascinating land at an exceptional value. In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Admire breathtaking panoramas from the Great Wall. Discover Xi'an, home to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi's tomb. Board the M.V. Yangtze President and sail through the magnificent Three Gorges region. Finally, arrive in Shanghai and experience the Bund, the prestigious Shanghai Museum, the serene Yu Garden, and an exciting acrobat show.
The Romance of the Blue Danube - Sept. 28-Oct. 12
Described by Napoleon as the "king of Europe's rivers," the Danube is steeped in beauty, legend and lore. After admiring the stunning architecture and romantic squares of Bucharest, Romania, embark for the harbor town of Rousse, Bulgaria. Experience historic Vidin, and explore Roman ruins in Drobeta-Turnu Severin. Cross the Carpathian Mountains through the Iron Gate Gorge. Discover Belgrade, Serbia. See Kalocsa, Hungary, and Mohács before marveling at the Gothic Parliament Building and Opera House of Budapest. Sail to Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Tour cultural Vienna, Austria, where the Ringstrasse and Hofburg Palace await, and visit medieval Dürnstein. Cruise through the charming Wachau Valley, lined with vineyards and castle ruins, to Melk. Finally, enjoy Passau, Germany.
Chianti in a Tuscan Villa - Oct. 4-12
Imagine yourself amid the rolling hills of Tuscany, blanketed with verdant vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. From the idyllic village of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, travel to the hilltop Etruscan town of Volterra. Visit San Gimignano, a medieval "Manhattan;" charming Castellina dominated by its imposing fortress; the market town of Greve; and Castello di Monsanto, where you'll sip the region's distinctive wine. Walk inside the ancient walls of Lucca, and admire the spectacular artistic and architectural wonders of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. In Siena, stroll along narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, and visit the city's magnificent Duomo.
Provence - Oct. 20-28
Discover the treasures of magical Provence-a land of colorful sunflowers and fields of lavender, lush vineyards and charming towns. Stroll through colorful markets where the stalls are brimming with local arts and crafts. Learn about wine and olive oil production-and enjoy some of the finished product. Immerse yourself in the artistic tradition of Provence while walking in the footsteps of van Gogh and Cézanne. Your base from which to explore this land of enchantment is Aix-en-Provence, a lovely town of impressive architecture, sun-drenched promenades and fashionable shops. Discover the villages of Les Lubéron, view the impressive ruins at Arles and visit delightful Les Baux. Marvel at the magnificent palace at Avignon and the amazing Pont du Gard. Join us on this travel experience that promises to be magnifique!
Amalfi ~ The Divine Coast - Nov. 11-19
Delight in the scenic grandeur of the Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture and amazing vertical landscape. Nicknamed The Divine Coast, the serpentine Amalfi Drive winds around towering cliffs and sandy coves, past charming villages, brightly colored villas and cascading flower gardens. During your stay in the seaside resort of Amalfi, venture out to see the town of Ravello with its spectacular 13th-century Villa Rufolo and the dramatic cliffs of Positano, Italy's most vertical town. Explore the cliff-top village of Sorrento, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Discover an epoch suspended in time at the fabled ruins of Herculaneum and Pompeii. See the Temples of Hera and Athena at Paestum, and immerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty and classical antiquity of Capri, the Isle of Dreams.
***The AMA designates a trip to honor physicians graduation from medical school in 1959. All physicians and guests are welcome.
Content provided by: Senior Physicians Group